UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is now offering an associate of science degree in labor and employment relations online, which has been designed to give professionals the knowledge and skills they need to successfully compete for entry-level jobs in the field.
The degree is being offered fully online through Penn State World Campus, and applications are being accepted for admission in Penn State’s fall 2016 semester, which begins in August. Faculty from Penn State’s School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER) will teach the courses.
The 60-credit degree program consists of required classes in employment relations, economics, ethics and psychology. Students can also choose from a variety of related coursework and electives to complete the program. Upon completion, students will receive a diploma, and they can apply their credits toward the bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in labor and employment relations offered online through the World Campus.
Graduates will be qualified to work as a human resource administrator, labor relations administrator, human resource assistant, labor relations assistant, payroll specialist and more. The degree can also prepare individuals to assume leadership roles in local and district-level unions.
“We are happy to add the associate degree in LER to the other opportunities we offer Penn State World Campus students,” said Antone Aboud, professor of practice and the school’s online program team leader. “This degree option can be helpful to students in two ways. First, the degree itself can help students qualify for entry-level jobs in the labor, human resources, and employment relations field. Second, it serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in LER.”
Students in the program will have access to World Campus’s wide array of academic services, such as admissions counseling, advising, tutoring, financial aid counseling and career counseling. Academic services include a free, optional online course called Transitions that eases students into online learning while increasing computer, study and research skills.
For more information about the new associate degree, visit the Penn State World Campus website.